How To Handle Epilepsy? Fatima Sana Shaikh’s Mid-Flight Seizure Sparks Discussion

Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 17:45 IST

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain produces sudden bursts of electrical activity, leading to seizures

Bollywood actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her memorable performances in films like Dangal, recently opened up about her ongoing health battle with epilepsy, a condition that once forced her to halt two film shoots and sent her into an emergency landing during a flight.

While promoting her upcoming releases, Metro…In Dino in theatres and Aap Jaisa Koi on Netflix, Fatima revisited a terrifying moment when she suffered a series of seizures mid-air at an altitude of 35,000 feet. The flight was diverted, and she was rushed to a hospital upon landing in Dubai, where immediate treatment was administered. The medical episode, she revealed, not only disrupted her work on Sam Bahadur and Dhak Dhak, but also left her emotionally and physically drained.

In an emotional interview, she shared how living with epilepsy changed her life and mental health. “I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed. My emotions were out of control,” she told Humans of Bombay. Her brave admission has reignited public discourse on epilepsy, a neurological disorder that remains widely misunderstood, especially in India.

According to Dr Saurabh Nandwani, Senior Neurologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, epilepsy is a chronic condition marked by repeated seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. “Epilepsy is treatable,” he stressed, “But it requires timely diagnosis, consistent medication, and awareness; not just for patients, but for those around them.”

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain produces sudden bursts of electrical activity, leading to seizures. These episodes may last from a few seconds to several minutes and can vary in intensity. While the causes can range from genetics and brain injuries to infections and metabolic disorders, stress and sleep deprivation are common triggers.

Symptoms Of Epileptic Seizure

• Sudden loss of consciousness or falling without warning
• Involuntary jerking movements, especially in the face or limbs
• Blank staring or unresponsiveness
• Tingling sensations or sensory disturbances
• Emotional outbursts or unexplained irritability
• Repeated fainting spells

Do’s And Don’ts During A Seizure

Contrary to popular myths, there are critical do’s and don’ts when someone experiences a seizure. Dr Nandwani emphasized that bystanders should never try to restrain the person, as this can lead to injury or fractures. Similarly, do not attempt to give water or medication during the episode.

Instead:

• Place the person on their side to keep the airway clear
• Remove any sharp or harmful objects nearby
• If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call for emergency help

Can Epilepsy Patients Fly?

Fatima’s in-flight episode raised an important question – is air travel safe for people with epilepsy? “Yes,” said Dr Nandwani, “but with conditions.” Air travel is not inherently dangerous for epilepsy patients. The key is medication adherence and adequate rest. Missed doses, lack of sleep, or heightened stress can increase seizure risk, he noted.

Those who’ve recently changed medication or had a seizure should always consult a neurologist before long-distance travel.

Why The Risk Increases

Certain lifestyle factors can heighten the risk of epileptic episodes:

• Chronic stress
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Skipped medications
• Low blood sugar levels

Fatima Sana Sheikh’s Takeaway

Though Fatima hasn’t had a seizure in a long time, thanks to proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, her openness aims to destigmatise the condition. Her story is not just a celebrity confession; it’s a call to awareness. As epilepsy continues to affect over 1 crore people in India, Fatima’s message is clear, “Hiding it won’t make it go away.”

“Eventually, I accepted that I have this condition, and decided to speak about it so others wouldn’t feel alone,” she said.

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